Pune: The Permanent Lok Adalat has directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), along with the contractor and swimming pool staff, to compensate the family of a six-year-old boy who drowned in a public swimming pool in Bopodi in 2018. The ruling holds them accountable for negligence and mandates a total payment of ₹5,25,000.
As per the order issued on March 21, 2025, the parents of the deceased, Aslam Shaikh and Nilophar Shaikh, will receive ₹5,25,000 along with a 6% simple interest. The responsibility for this amount is divided among:
PMC (Respondents No. 01 and 02) – ₹50,000
The contractor, swimming pool staff, and Bopodi Sports Culture and Research Academy (Respondents No. 03 to 10 B) – ₹4,75,000
Additionally, the Lok Adalat has awarded an extra ₹1 lakh to the parents for the emotional and physical distress caused by the tragic incident.
The authorities are required to pay the compensation by April 21, 2025. If the payment is not made within the stipulated time, the applicants have the right to recover the amount under Section 22 E (5) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
“It took seven years, but our family has finally received justice,” said Nilophar Shaikh, the boy’s mother.
Advocate Mahendra Dalalkar, who represented the grieving family, emphasized the need for strict safety measures in public swimming pools, especially during summer vacations. He urged pool management to enforce rules, maintain security measures, and ensure lifeguards remain vigilant at all times. He hopes this ruling will serve as a warning to prevent similar incidents and promote better accountability in managing public pools.
